Mindy Hardenbrook | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
MINDY: People being kind to one another! Simple things like a compliment, seeing someone hold the door, letting someone go ahead in line. Kindness is such an easy thing we can do to uplift each other!
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
MINDY: The last 18 months have been such an unexpected learning experience. New meaning was given to words like teamwork, flexibility, and understanding. I learned that no matter how difficult something seemed, there was always a way to work through it. Pivot, collaborate, and get creative! We were all going through something for the first time, but most importantly, we were going through it together.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
MINDY: I am surrounded by an amazing support system! No matter how hard we try, we can't do it all. Having those to support you even when you don't realize you need it is a blessing. I also appreciate my "happy places" to rest and rejuvenate.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
MINDY: Some of the best advice came from a woman that I worked for early in my banking career. She was one of the first female bank presidents in the city where I worked, so she was charting new territory. She advised me to not get caught up in gossip; if there's something that you need to know it will be delivered in an appropriate way. I think of her often and appreciate her guidance.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
MINDY: Topeka represents one of the most landmarked decisions in history - Brown v. Board of Education. We still have so much more to learn. We can't rely on other communities, but rather need to learn and teach ourselves how to do better. This was highlighted more than ever last year. We must continue to figure out ways to know more so that we can do more.
TK: The mission of YWCA is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. What does YWCA's mission mean to you?
MINDY: To me the mission means coming together, supporting one another, learning from people different than us, having a voice and speaking up for those that may not have one (or haven't found it yet), and leading with kindness and understanding. In order to continue moving forward and creating change, it will take each and every one of us working together and doing our part to make a difference.
The YWCA is on a mission to empower women at all stages in their careers. Diversity in leadership is particularly vital to our vibrant business community in the Greater Topeka Area.
